Lightcliffe lose out in rival clash

Full strength Pudsey B beat Lightcliffe B by 32 runs

Lightliffe B (under 10's), without Talismen George Leach and Ben Horne, were short of their best on Sunday against a side that will be their probable biggest challengers next season. Notable differences in the two sides was the way Pudsey ran between the wickets and their energy in the field. The latter is normally a strength of our side but today the atmosphere on the pitch was subdued as too many wides were bowled and runs were gifted to the opposition. 46 extras were conceded - almost half of their total - and unfortunately some of the side decided to put in their worst bowling performance collectively on the same day. It was below their potential and Pudsey capitalised. Pick of the bowlers was Charlie Davy Walker (2-1-5-0), Callum Barlow (2-1-4-0), and the wickets went to Danny Grayson and Dom Phillips. Dom recorded figures of 2-10. Isaac Cox was the chief brutalist for Pudsey St Lawrence, and he hit a quick fire 35, taking full advantage of the very (very !) short boundary, pinging some of the unfortunate bowlers for 8 fours in the last 5 overs. His innings was a major difference between the two sides.

In response it was always going to be a tough ask to get such a high total but they made a good start. Will Eyre (7 not out) and Finn Brookes (19 not out) put on 32 - their third opening partnerships together and in 3 matches they have put on 127 without losing a wicket. The innings slowed though and momentum swung back to Pudsey. Last week against Thornton, Danny Grayson was found hiding underneath the benches in the changing room rather than go out to bat, but today he baffled everyone by not only actually batting but also hitting the ball sweetly in a wonderful cameo of 16. A reluctant batsman but one that will hopefully take more of his opportunities next year. Last pair of Charlie Davy Walker and Lewis Barlow (11 not out) were required to score 50 in 5 overs which was a very tough ask. As much as the short boundary aided the Pudsey side it proved a hindrance for some of our batsmen who neglected to just bat, but instead went looking for shots that weren't there to play. Pudsey bowled straighter making it harder to hit the small fence, and at the end of the day it was fair to say that the side that bowled straightest won.